LONDON (AP) British Prime Minister Keir Starmer's position is precarious as he faces potential ousting from his role just a year and a half into his tenure. His challenges intensified following the resignation of his chief of staff and growing dissent among Labour Party lawmakers due to controversial ties between former British ambassador to Washington Peter Mandelson and the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
Starmer’s troubles stem from his decision in 2024 to appoint Mandelson to a key diplomatic position despite being aware of his connections with Epstein. Starmer came under fire after emails emerged revealing that Mandelson had maintained a friendship with Epstein following the financier's 2008 conviction for sex offenses involving a minor. Critics argue that Starmer should have exercised better judgment in appointing Mandelson, a figure with a troubled history marked by scandals relating to ethics and finances.
A new collection of Epstein files released in the U.S. has added further pressure on Starmer, revealing additional details about Mandelson's relationship with Epstein. Starmer publicly apologized last week for "having believed Mandelson's lies" and pledged to release documentation that would clarify the circumstances surrounding Mandelson’s appointment, asserting that Mandelson misled officials regarding his ties to Epstein.
The police are currently investigating Mandelson for potential misconduct in public office based on allegations that he passed sensitive government information to Epstein 15 years ago. The offense could lead to a life sentence; however, Mandelson has not yet faced arrest or charges, and there are no allegations against him of sexual misconduct.
Following the scandal, Starmer's chief of staff, Morgan McSweeney, resigned, taking the blame for the appointment decision and stating, "I advised the prime minister to make that appointment and I take full responsibility for that advice." McSweeney has been a significant aide since Starmer's leadership began in 2020, and he played a crucial role in Labour's landslide victory in July 2024. However, he has also been blamed for various missteps since that victory.
Some members of the Labour Party believe that McSweeney's resignation might grant Starmer some breathing room to restore trust within the party and among the public. Senior lawmaker Emily Thornberry noted that McSweeney had become a "divisive figure" and his departure could present an opportunity for a "reset." Despite this, critics have argued that McSweeney's exit could leave Starmer in a vulnerable position, isolated from support in his party.
Opposition leader Kemi Badenoch from the Conservative Party criticized Starmer for "making bad decision after bad decision," declaring that his position is now "untenable." Since assuming office, Starmer has faced considerable hurdles in delivering on promises of economic growth, addressing struggling public services, and alleviating the cost of living crisis. His aim to restore integrity to governance following 14 years of Conservative scandals has been marred by controversies, flip-flops on welfare cuts, and other unpopular initiatives.
Public opinion polls consistently show Labour trailing behind the hard-right Reform UK party, leading to discussions of a leadership challenge even before the controversies surrounding Mandelson became public knowledge. Under the UK's parliamentary system, prime ministers can be replaced without needing a national election, indicating that if Starmer were to resign or face a challenge, it would initiate a leadership election for the Labour Party, with the victor assuming the role of prime minister.
The Conservatives experienced notable instability during their time in power, cycling through three prime ministers between national elections from 2019 to 2024, including Liz Truss, who served only 49 days. Starmer was intended to lead a departure from the chaos that had characterized the Conservatives' final years, but achieving this goal has proven more difficult than anticipated. Labour lawmaker Clive Efford suggested that critics of Starmer should "be careful what you wish for," recalling the public's discontent with frequent leadership changes during the Conservative administration.
